Filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will also be joined by Martin Freeman, who plays the central role of Bilbo Baggins; Richard Armitage, who stars as the dwarf warrior Thorin Oakenshield; Andy Serkis who plays Gollum and Elijah Wood who plays Frodo Baggins.

Advertisement

There may be a nearly 10-metre statue of Gandalf the Grey above Wellington's Embassy Theatre, but the actor who plays the character, Sir Ian McKellen, won't be there to see it for himself.

McKellen said he was sorry he could not attend. "I know they (the cast) will have a wonderful welcome from the fans and I envy them. As ever, my heart is in Wellington, and I send my love."

Wellington is spending $NZ1.1 million ($A871,943) on activities in the week of the premiere, temporarily calling itself "The Middle of Middle-earth".

The film is released globally on December 14 and in Australia on Boxing Day.